She’s making a list, she’s checking it twice. She’s gonna find out who’s naughty, who’s nice. The SUP Girl is coming to town.
Christmas brings about a special kind of magic. Family and friends gather. Indulgent feasting. Afternoon naps and do it all again for dinner. The leftover meals seemingly go on for days. Shredded wrapping paper. A mountain of gifts that put Everest to shame. Mince pies, insert drool here. Christmas crackers with paper crown hats in assorted colours, that rip and tear whilst being squeezed on Uncles head yearly, like clockwork (you know the Uncle I mean). Gimmicky prizes and bad jokes.
What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney?
Claustrophobia!
What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
Tinsilitis!
What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees?
Horn-aments!
I digress.
Sharing, caring, receiving and giving are all part of the spirit. But, unnecessary, sELF imposed pressures at this time of the year can also bring about dangers. Financial strain and stress for the sake of accumulating stuff.
Being a turkey and skipping out on rent, mortgage payments and bills in lieu of gifts, only serves to create a grinch to subdue and (hopefully) eradicate down the track. Before it turns into a huge snowball of doom, set a reasonable, non lifestyle invasive limit for gifts and stick to it. Like sticky toffee pudding. Avoid allowing yourself to be basted and roasted.
You need the ongoing security of shelter, your home, first and foremost. And of course so that Santa, Rudolph & Co know just where to find you! Remember, leave milk, cookies and cake out (or beer for those that think Santa has a drinking problem, what about sleigh DUI?) and water and carrots for the reindeer crew.
When you hear someone say ‘I want a hippopotamus for Christmas’, please, don’t oblige. Tell them to wake up to themselves. After all, money doesn’t grow on Christmas trees! Cast a gingerbread man, a peppermint candy cane or some roasted chestnuts their way instead.
Hark! Whatever you do this coming festive season, starting from right now, avoid the strain, put your HOME above the tinsel trappings and stocking stuffers.
The emphasis of the story: With bells on. Focus. Give of your TIME to one another.
